CHCI’s 39th Annual Awards Gala

CHCI’S 39th Annual Awards Gala was held on September 15, 2016 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event convened the largest and most prestigious gathering of Hispanic nonpartisan, public and private sector leaders in the nation to celebrate the many achievements of the Latino community.

President Barack Obama and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed more than 2,000 guests. This was the seventh year that President Obama has addressed the CHCI Awards Gala, going back to when he was a presidential candidate in 2008, and the second consecutive year that Secretary Clinton has appeared at the Gala.

The evening’s festivities included an opportunity to highlight CHCI’s mission and program participants. Domenika Lynch, CHCI’s new President and CEO, introduced the current class of participants and spoke about her vision for CHCI’s future.

The 2016 Medallion of Excellence Awards were presented to legendary comedian, actor, director, and artist, Cheech Marin, and community leader Anna Maria Chávez. Both honorees exemplify service, excellence, and a firm commitment to the Latino community.